450 architects

The clients of this private residence—parents of principal Richard Parker—wanted a modern home that would be suitable not only for their retirement, but for hosting family and entertaining guests. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac on a deep water canal leading to Florida’s Biscayne Bay, they wanted to take advantage of the stunning waterfront views and natural breezes. It was also important to build a house that could withstand the force of hurricanes and embrace the sub-tropical climate.

The design responds to this couple’s active lifestyle with open interior spaces, white walls for displaying their art, and extensive outdoor spaces oriented toward the water. The house looks small from the street, but it is spacious and airy inside. A double-height atrium acts as a welcoming entrance. The massing, fenestration, and vertical walls provide privacy from the street and protection from the hot western sun, while east-facing terraces and a series of French doors orient the house toward the water. Deep overhangs allow for casual outdoor entertaining. The house is designed to allow the clients to host as many as 100 guests at a time.

To withstand hurricane-force winds, the structure is made entirely of concrete. It is raised above the floodplain and detailed with hurricane-resistant glass. The stair tower, which connects the three wings of the house, also serves as the house’s “lungs,” rising above the roof to exhaust hot air and draw in cool breezes through natural convection. Water sensors on the roof automatically shut the ventilation windows in the stairwell when it rains. Sunshades above the windows provide protection from the hot sun. Despite the subtropical climate, the house’s environmentally conscious design minimizes the amount of air-conditioning needed to stay cool, allowing the residents to open up the house and enjoy the breezes coming off the water.

The result is the clients’ dream house—a clean, modern home with ample space for family, friends and art, thoughtfully suited to its environment, with an inviting connection to the water and marine community.

In a region whose codes require many protections against nature, 450 architects met early in the process with planning officials and neighbors to develop the project. We created study models to ensure that the planners understood our vision and their interpretation of local codes. This helped the project work its way smoothly through the permitting processes. 450 architects is headquartered in San Francisco, but we’ve completed projects across the country and in Europe.